Checking for rot

[nitsuj]

Hey gang, nother question for the masses. I have a 1971 Glastron 17.5 foot semi-v. It's been out of the water for 5 years, but I'm going to get it out of storage and start running it again. Are these boats prone to rot? It's been stored out doors for much of it's life. How do I check for rot? Is there more to it than just poking around and seeing if I poke through? When I last used it, it was solid. By the way, anyone on this board boating out of East Brady PA? Just curious. Again, thanks.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Checking for rot

All boats are prone to rot, unless they are made of aluminum, with no wood, then they are prone to corrosion. If you have a fiberglass boat that has sat out in the rain and snow with no cover, it can rot. I did have an old 1963 boat that had sat out next to a barn for 15 years. The interior was destroyed, but the structure survived with no rot, desite all the leaves that were piled in it. It must have been a fluke. I only had to replace the interior and it was fine. Idealy, if any water that got in drained right back out, and was not allowed to freeze and crack any structure, it is possible it is okay. You just have to check as best you can. Make sure floor and transom is solid. Knocking helps, as wet rotted wood has a dead thunk to it, good wood has a more solid reverberation to it. Good luck....